Evaluation of selected serum biochemical and haematological parameters in gilts exposed per os to 100 ppb of zearalenone.

Zearalenone (ZEN) widely contaminates animal feed of plant origin. The recommended safe concentrations of ZEN in feeds for various animal species are set mainly based on the mycotoxin's hormonal properties (NOEL). Our growing knowledge about biologically active concentrations of ZEN, molecular mechanisms and cells/tissues targeted by ZEN indicates that the harmful effects exerted by this mycotoxin on animals may be far greater than previously believed. This experiment was performed on pre-pubertal gilts divided into a control group (n=9) and an experimental group (ZEN, n=9). The control group received placebo, whereas the experimental group was administered ZEN at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg feed (equivalent to 5 μg/kg BW/day) for 42 days. On days 14, 28 and 42 blood samples were collected from the animals to determine the concentrations of selected zearalenols, serum biochemical and haematological parameters. Conjugated ZEN was found in the blood serum of the experimental gilts. Changes in the analysed biochemical parameters included a transient increase in albumin and cholesterol levels. A statistically significant increase in the concentrations of neutrophilic and acidophilic granulocytes was observed in the white blood cell system. The results indicate that long-term per os exposure of pre-pubertal gilts to low doses of ZEN (below NOEL) has a modulatory effect on liver function and white blood cells.